Helping Seniors Harmed by Abuse in the Portland Area

Elder abuse is a growing problem in the United States. The rapidly growing senior population means that more older adults require certain levels of care—and have certain levels of vulnerability to mistreatment. While the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA) admits that research on the subject is behind where it should be, it is obvious that such abuse of our senior population is a major issue in our society.

While efforts should be made to combat elder abuse in general, we should also focus on the rights of older individuals who have suffered unnecessary and completely preventable harm at the hands of others. The gives injured parties the right to seek compensation for the injuries and losses they suffered due to the negligence or intentional wrongdoing of others. Victims of elder abuse are no different and victims and their families should not hesitate to exercise their rights.

Monetary compensation will not take away the mental and physical pains of abuse. It can, however, help you find a sense of justice and peace, as well as greater financial security. At the Richard Rizk Law Office, our dedicated attorneys stand up for the rights of seniors who have suffered abuse-related harm. We can help you or your loved one, so please contact us as soon as possible to learn more.

Common Types of Elder Abuse

Older adults can suffer many types of abuse that can result in physical, emotional, mental, and/or financial harm. The following are some types of abuse commonly at issue in legal cases:

Neglect – When someone agrees to provide a certain amount of care for a senior, they should provide care as promised. When a caretaker neglects an older adult who cannot care for themselves, the victim may suffer many types of injuries. Neglect can include failing to provide proper water and nutrition, not providing adequate shelter, not ensuring proper hygiene, failing to provide the necessary medical care, and more.

Physical abuse – In some situations, older adults may be the victims of violent assaults—sometimes, on a regular basis. Others may become impatient and frustrated with seniors and may take it out on them physically. Others may use physical threats and violence as a way to assert control. No matter what the motive, physical abuse can result in broken bones, contusions, lacerations, brain injuries, facial injuries, and more, all in addition to the mental trauma of suffering such violent attacks.

Sexual abuse – Older adults are physically vulnerable and often cannot fight off abusers. This makes them a particular target for sexual abuse. Abusers may expose a victim, expose themselves, commit unwanted sexual touching, engage in non-consensual, sexual acts, or commit sexual assault. This type of abuse can leave a victim with injuries to the genital areas, sexually-transmitted diseases, and deep emotional scars.

Emotional abuse – Not all types of abuse leave physical marks or scars. In some situations, a person may commit abuse with words and tactics that do not involve physical attacks. Emotional abuse can involve belittling, manipulation, taunting, threats or instilling fear, name-calling, humiliation, isolation, and other tactics that can result in emotional trauma. Emotional and mental injuries should not be discounted, as they can significantly deteriorate the quality of a senior’s life and often require treatment.

Financial abuse – One type of abuse that is not considered as often is financial abuse. Someone may get close to an older adult and manipulate them into turning over control of their money and property. Others may conduct fraudulent schemes against unknowing seniors, often costing them significant sums of money. Some parties may simply steal money from older adults when they believe the victim will not notice. Victims of financial abuse deserve to recover all that was lost.

All forms of elder abuse can cause serious and lasting injuries. Even though an elderly individual may not be as sharp or strong as they used to be, any deterioration of their quality of life should never be discounted. At the Richard Rizk Law Office, we have seen the devastating effects of elder abuse and are here to help obtain the full compensation that victims deserve. Compensation can be for medical expenses, lost property or assets, physical and mental pain and suffering, and more.

Holding Abusers Accountable for the Harm Caused

Different parties can commit elder abuse. No matter who the abuser may be, they should be held fully accountable for their actions. While this may include facing criminal charges, you also should consider taking civil action to seek full damages for the injuries caused.

Nursing homes – You should trust that a nursing home will take proper care of your loved one. Unfortunately, various types of abuse happen in nursing homes more often than you may believe.

Caretakers – Many perpetrators of abuse are caretakers who are well-known by the senior. Often, such caretakers are family members, including spouses, adult children, or more distant relatives

Strangers – Strangers or non-family members may also commit abuse, most often physical, sexual, or financial abuse.

Any party that takes advantage of a senior and harms them should be held fully accountable under the law—whether it is a nursing home worker, a stranger, or a family member. If you visit your loved one and detect that any type of harmful abuse has occurred, do not hesitate to notify the police and then discuss any further legal options with an experienced elder abuse and injury lawyer.

Contact Our Dedicated Portland, Oregon, Elder Abuse Law Firm Today

The signs of elder abuse are difficult to detect and victims may feel too scared to come forward. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with an elderly loved one, you should not hesitate to ask questions and look into the possibility that they have been a victim of abuse. Please always feel free to consult with an attorney at the Richard Rizk Law Office if you are unsure of a situation. Call (503) 245-5677 or contact us online today to learn the many ways we may help you and your loved one.

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Copyright @ 2016 Richard H. Rizk, Attorney at Law | All Rights Reserved | Richard H. Rizk is licensed to practice law in Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and Federal District Court, and is a member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers.